Zelve Open-Air Museum Place guide

The deserted city of Zelve, spreading across three valleys, is a fascinating remnant of Cappadocia’s troglodytic past. It’s hard to believe, when walking through the cave churches and monasteries of the empty ‘ghost-town’, that this place was once one of the largest communities in ancient times. 

The valley was inhabited by Turkish Muslims until 1952; however, rock falls made it too dangerous to remain. Several areas of the zone are often closed off due to unstable surrounds; ignore warning signs at your own peril!

If you’re set on exploring the complex for classic Cappadocian art and architecture, bring a torch (flashlight) and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. At the top of the right-hand valley, on the right as you go up, a honeycomb of rooms can be approached by climbing metal staircases. Enter by means of precarious steps, or swing up through large holes on the floor (search for ancient hand and foot holes!)

Scattered up and down the valleys are old stables, pigeon houses high up on the walls, an old mill with its wheel stone intact, and a large collection of chapels and medieval oratories. Many of the latter are decorated with carved crosses and preserved altars; it’s no surprise rock climbing and walking tours are popular activities within this area!
The few painted images located in Zelve are located within the churches of the third valley. Nearby, the twin-aisled Uzumlu Kilise features grapevines in red and green on the walls, as well as a cross carved into the ceiling. 

How to get there:

• The Zelve Open-Air Museum is 8km from the Goreme city center. You can take a taxi to the entrance or rent a car and park by the entrance. 
  
  
• Drive 3km off the Avanos-Cavusin Road

Open daily from 9am-6.30pm May-Oct, 8am-4.30pm from Nov-April